GRE Math Formula eBook

Based on your suggestions, we’re excited to offer you for you to reference and memorize as you study!

Though memorizing a math formula (or twelve) isn’t the only way to study for GRE Quant, knowing certain frequently-tested formulas by heart will help you improve your speed on test day. Once you learn these formulas, be sure to practice using them! A little timed practice can go a long way.

and read on to learn a little bit more about what to expect from the math section of the GRE.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning & Useful Math Formulas

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section tests concepts that you likely learned during sophomore and/or junior year of high school. These concepts DO NOT INCLUDE higher level math like trigonometry, calculus, or geometry proofs. They DO INCLUDE things you’ve probably long forgotten like properties of shapes, integer properties, exponent rules, and word problems.

The thing that takes these concepts to the GRE level is their complexity. Figuring out what each question is asking you to accomplish can be really tricky, whereas the math involved in solving them tends to be fairly straightforward. And you won’t get partial credit for showing your work, so picking the correct answer choice is very important!

Since it may take you longer than you’d like to read and understand what a GRE quant question is asking of you, it’s important that you won’t waste time solving the problem. Knowing which math formulas to use, and then using them quickly and correctly, can really help you do well on GRE quant. Time is of the essence!

GRE Math Formula Topics

Here is a list of the main concepts and formulas you’ll need to know for the GRE. Each of these concepts is addressed in the Clemmonsdogpark’s Complete Guide to Math Formulas eBook. In this resource, you’ll also find recommended strategies for how to best use (or not use!) and remember these math formulas on the GRE.

Arithmetic and Number Properties

Types of Numbers

Order of Operations: PEMDAS

Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Properties

Prime Numbers

Factorization

Divisibility

Absolute Values

Fast Fractions

Percentages

Ratios

Powers and Roots

Exponents

Roots

Algebra

Simplifying Expressions

Factoring

Solving Equations

Geometry

Angles

Polygons

Triangles

Circles

Squares

Rectangles

Trapezoids

Quadrilaterals

3-D Shapes

Coordinate Geometry

Lines

The Distance Formula

Quadratics

Word Problems

Distance, Rate, and Time

Work Rate

Sequences

Interest

Statistics

Counting

Probability

Don’t be intimidated! Some of these formulas are easy to remember, and some you’ll still know from your high school days. Focus your time on re-learning the formulas and concepts that are trickiest and newest to you.

Important GRE Math Formulas

Below are the main math formulas you’ll need for the GRE. I’ve just given a quick overview — a Cliff Notes version — since later on in the post you’ll find the full Math Formula eBook, which contains these formulas and many more. So if you want an in-depth take on this stuff, then head to the eBook at the bottom of the page. If not, look below for your math formula edification.

That said, I should offer a quick word on the temptation of thinking that knowing a formula is the key to automatically answering a question correctly. This is decidedly not the case on the GRE, on which you have to decipher, unscramble, unlock (pick your metaphor!) the question before you can answer it correctly. In other words, the formula is the final step to answering a math question right. (I expound on this in the intro of the eBook below.)

1. Area and circumference of a circle

Area:, where is the radius of the circleCircumference:, where is the diameter of the circle

2. Volume and surface area of a cube

Surface area:, where s is the length of a side of the cubeVolume:, where s is the length of a side of the cube

3. Area of a triangle

,where is the base and is the height of the triangle

4. Exponent essentials

= = =

5. Polynomials and FOIL

= = =

FOIL: First Outer Inner Last

6. Total degree measure of a polygon

Total degrees = , where equals number of sides of polygon

We recommend that you print it out, share it, and start a pile of Clemmonsdogpark eBooks (General, Vocabulary), that you can study on the go. Enjoy! Be sure to let us know you like this resource. 🙂

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2012 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

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About Chris Lele

Chris Lele is the GRE and SAT Curriculum Manager (and vocabulary wizard) at Clemmonsdogpark Online Test Prep. In his time at Clemmonsdogpark, he has inspired countless students across the globe, turning what is otherwise a daunting experience into an opportunity for learning, growth, and fun. Some of his students have even gone on to get near perfect scores. Chris is also very popular on the internet. His GRE channel on YouTube has over 10 million views.You can read Chris's awesome blog posts on the Clemmonsdogpark GRE blog and High School blog!You can follow him on and !